Ford reportedly will base Fusion sedan production in China
Mini unveils new, stripped down logo
The premium-fuel secret: You almost never need it
More than a half-million Hyundai, Kia compacts recalled for brake light problem
Tiny carwash used for somehow-serious purpose of testing Nissan paint
Ferrari set to hit new sales goal early to boost profits

Elio Motors' latest prototype ready for HVAC testing in Seattle

Three-wheeled high-MPG vehicles are slated to debut by next year.

Elio Motors' plans to test a vehicle prototype's air-conditioning and heating systems have us wondering how 110-degree temperatures are going to be simulated in the perpetually brisk Pacific Northwest. The three-wheeled vehicle startup is having Seattle-based RedDOT Corp. make its HVAC systems, and has shipped one of its E-Series testing and engineering vehicles to the Emerald City. The trike will be tested there for heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation.

Elio is running way behind schedule (it had initially earmarked 2014 for its debut), but continues to move forward and has built about two-dozen vehicles strictly for testing purposes. For instance, some vehicles are being tested in Michigan for their anti-lock braking systems. In Seattle, the vehicle in question will undergo temperatures ranging from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The automaker, which was founded in 2009, has most recently estimated that the vehicle will start sales some time next year. The three-wheeler gets up to 84 miles per gallon and will be priced at $7,300 for holders of non-refundable reservations (the price had previously been listed at about $6,800). About 56,000 people had lined up as of last month.